Every piece on the wall, accounted for.
Fine art dealers coverage for owned and consigned work, transit and exhibitions, plus general liability and workers' comp for galleries and frame shops.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Most of the art isn't yours
California Civil Code 1738.6 holds consigned art in trust for the artist and makes the dealer responsible for its loss or damage. A standard business property policy is built for furniture and stock, not one-of-a-kind paintings valued by agreement.
Galleries and frame shops usually need a fine art dealers policy that can cover owned and consigned work, pieces in transit and at art fairs, and customers' art left for framing. Earthquake damage is often excluded and worth asking about for hanging and sculptural work.
- Fine art dealersOwned and consigned work at agreed values.
- Transit and exhibitionsArt being shipped or shown at fairs.
- Customer propertyArt left with you for framing.
- General liabilityVisitors at openings and events.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Gallery: address, security and alarm details.
- Inventory: owned and consigned values, and the highest single piece.
- Customer art: typical value of work left for framing.
- Transit: how art is shipped and which fairs you attend.
- Events: openings and whether alcohol is served.
- History: current policies and any losses.
Art gallery insurance, answered
Is consigned art covered by my business property policy?
Often only for a small amount, if at all. A fine art dealers policy is built for consigned work, and California law makes you responsible for it.
Is art covered while it's shipped?
Transit coverage can be included, subject to the packing and shipping conditions in the policy.
What if a customer's painting is damaged during framing?
That needs coverage for customers' property in your care. Some policies exclude damage caused by the framing work itself, so read that part.
Is earthquake damage covered?
Usually not by default. It can sometimes be added, which matters for hanging and sculptural work in California.
Do I need liquor liability for openings?
If you serve wine or beer at receptions, it's worth adding, even when you don't charge for drinks.
Do you offer art gallery and frame shop insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your inventory values. I'll shop it.
Owned and consigned values and your address are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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